The general prohibition of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment is regulated by several international treaties and conventions. Universal and regional standards determine the key issues, which are related to the guaranty of the persons‘ rights in state custody. There were established the conventional bodies, which prepare the special reports as a result of visiting places of detention in the states parties to the convention, to monitor compliance with the provisions of the treaties and conventions on human rights. In this study, we aim to determine the distinction between the legal force of treaties and resolutions adopted at universal level, the specifics of guaranteeing the right not to be subjected to torture at regional level and the main aspects, which are found in universal and regional standards. The purpose of this article is to review the international treaties and conventions, which form hard law, analyze the standards adopted at universal and regional level (soft law), examine the specifics of the qualification of the concepts ―torture‖, ―inhuman treatment‖, ―degrading treatment‖, which are found in the treaties, as well as analyze the conclusions of international committees, which refer to the observance of the rights of persons in state custody by the Republic of Moldova.